Innovate for Ireland 2026
About this scholarship
Innovate for Ireland supports fully funded PhD opportunities in Ireland focused on major sustainability and innovation challenges through university and industry partnerships.
Innovate for Ireland is an Irish doctoral scholarship initiative that supports research-led PhD training on nationally important innovation and sustainability challenges. Based on the referenced postings, the programme funds fully supported doctoral places in Ireland through collaborations between universities, industry partners, and research bodies such as Research Ireland.
Current opportunities linked to Innovate for Ireland include areas such as AI for climate resilience, decarbonisation and environmental impact and sustainable aviation and green energy. These projects are hosted by Irish universities including University College Dublin and Dublin City University, often in partnership with institutions such as Trinity College Dublin, Technological University Dublin, University of Limerick, University of Galway, and University College Cork.
The programme appears to support PhD-level study and is described in the postings as fully funded. Funding typically includes full university research fees or tuition coverage, an annual living stipend, and in some cases additional support for travel, computing, equipment, research, or conference costs. One referenced Innovate for Ireland posting specifies a stipend of €31,000 per year for up to four years.
Eligibility depends on the individual PhD project, but applicants are generally expected to have a strong academic background in a relevant discipline and to meet the doctoral admission requirements of the host university. Depending on the project, suitable fields may include AI, data science, engineering, environmental science, ecology, geography, finance, management, economics, aviation, sustainability, and policy. Some opportunities also ask for a research proposal and evidence of research potential, leadership, or entrepreneurial ability.
Applications are usually made through the specific project or university call rather than through one central scholarship portal. Students should check the host university page or project advertisement carefully for exact eligibility rules, required documents, and deadlines.
Eligibility
Who can apply for this scholarship
Eligibility varies by project and host university. Based on the postings, applicants are typically expected to qualify for PhD admission at the relevant Irish university and to have an outstanding academic background in a relevant field. Depending on the project, suitable disciplines may include AI, data science, engineering, environmental science, ecology, geography, finance, management, economics, aviation, sustainability, or policy. Some calls also value research potential, leadership, interdisciplinary fit, and entrepreneurial mindset.
Requirements
Documents typically needed to apply
